Learn from the Tampa Bay Area’s top theatre artists! Whether you are an absolute beginner or have some previous acting or improvisation experience, American Stage Education has a class for you. Classes are available throughout the year for adults of all experience levels looking to explore their creativity and expand their theatrical knowledge.

For more information or if you are having problems enrolling online, contact the education department at 727-823-1600 x 204 or email education@americanstage.org.

Acting III

This upper-level class is for the committed student with previous training who wants to sharpen and deepen his or her skills. Students will examine a full-length script in detail, focusing on a character’s overall journey from the beginning of the play to the end. All students will be working on the same text but exploring different characters and scenes. Students will take their script analysis abilities to a deeper level, develop a three-dimensional character, pursue compelling objectives while employing creative and relevant tactics, and work as a true ensemble in rehearsal and performance. This ten week class requires time spent outside of class in rehearsals with an acting partner and memorizing lines. The final performance will be a showcase of scenes performed on American Stage’s main stage for a further taste of what upper-level acting work requires.

Intro to Improv

"Yes, and…" In improvisation we practice this simple skill to make our scenes a success. And if you try it, your life will be changed for the better both on stage and off. In the Intro to Improv class, you will learn how to give up judgment, embrace new possibilities and say “yes” to change. This short-form class will introduce you to the fundamentals of improv comedy and give you the skills to think quickly and creatively on your feet. This class is for students new to improv or for anyone who wants to revisit the core concepts behind this popular performance style. (It’s a great way to prepare for our Improv Level 1 - Setting the Scene class if you are new to acting or improv.) The class will culminate in a showcase performance for family and friends.

Improv Level 1 - Setting the Scene

This class introduces students to the basics of how to perform long-form improv. Students will learn and put into practice improv concepts like "Yes, Anding", "Give And Take", "Playing At The Top Of Your Intelligence", and "Object/Space Work". No matter what your improv experience level is, this eight-week course will show you how to create interesting improvisations, culminating in a showcase for your friends and family.

Improv Level 2 - Finding the Funny

Picking up where Level 1 left off, students will learn and put into practice improv concepts like "The Game Of The Scene", "Heightening/Exploring" and "Walk-Ons". The Level 2 course will take your improv to the next level, culminating in a showcase for your friends and family. The class is taught by Gavin Hawk, one-half of the improvisation team of Hawk and Wayne and the director of American Stage’s production of ONE SLIGHT HITCH.

Improv Level 3 - Creating the Character

Picking up where Level 2 left off, students will learn to put into practice improv concepts like "Point of View", "Character Mirroring", and "Group Scenes". This ten-week class, taught by Ricky Wayne from the improvisation team, Hawk and Wayne, will stretch and define your comedic voice, culminating in a showcase for your friends and family.

*All students in Section I - Organic Improv are required to purchase The Upright Citizen’s Brigade Comedy Improvisation Manual. You may purchase this book through American Stage Education or on your own. You must have the book on the first day of class. Once your enrollment for the class has been processed, someone will be in touch with you about purchasing the book.

Classes subject to change and/or cancellation if enrollment is below the minimum number needed. Should this occur, your tuition will be fully refunded.

For more information or if you are having problems trying to enroll on-line, please contact the Education Associate, at 727-823-1600 x 204 or email education@americanstage.org.